The TRAC is Back...and Whack.

Recently, when I walked into the TRAC to inquire of their different facilities, a question was immediately posed by a staff member: “Do you have another pair of athletic shoes?” I was initially rather aback as I hadn’t had time to ask my question. My response was in the negative and I asked how new this policy was and why it was implemented.

The staff member advised that it helps keep the TRAC generally cleaner. While I understand that aspect of the policy, I couldn’t help by wonder, “Where am I supposed to put the shoes I have on now?!” I found out there are free locker rentals to store away "street" shoes; however, I think the policy is overkill just to avoid having to sweep a little bit more. It's especially cumbersome for those who live off campus to remember to bring a pair of shoes with them.

I am not a fan of this new “clean shoes” policy--I think it's rather finicky. As such, I am not a fan and shall shoot baskets outside, go for a jog around University Drive, or hit baseballs on the field across from Pennyroyal/Foxglove. If my shoes get dirty, well, by God, I’ll wipe them off on the mat before entering a building--it’s not that difficult of a concept…

What do you guys think? I'd love to hear. Until then...

~ N.

A Senior in a 100-Level Class

So, I’m signed up for POS-171: Comparative Political Cultures. The course is taught by Adriana Crocker—a woman of small stature who has a sincere desire to make her class interactive and fun. When she asked how many students in the class were freshmen, a vast majority raised their hands; this was a rather strange thing to see, and I had a sudden realization: most of the students I’ve known have graduated. In fact, I know of only one other student in the class of 35, and she is a senior, too.

The lower classmen seem to be a little nervous. It’s kind of fun to put myself in their shoes and remember what my first college courses were like. However, I’m actually on the other side of that coin and am aiming on enjoying the easier course so late in my college career.

The best part so far? We get to play a game—a simulation aimed on getting students to think about how to solve problems politically amongst neighboring countries in a fictional world.

As for learning about the different types of political cultures… instead of learning about the history of different countries, we’re going to learn about topics (gender inequalities, sweatshops, etc). This creates two things: classroom interactivity and a modernized class environment with a unique teaching technique.

The class should be fun. It’s offered semiweekly and is only 1 hour and 15 minutes long. If any students out there have any questions about this course, I’d be more than happy to answer them.

I’ll be blogging this semester’s fun class, “Introduction to Music Technology,” next. Until then…

~ N.

A Full-Time Job AND a Full-Time Student?!

Well, I finally did it: I landed a full-time job outside of the military. I am a full-time police dispatcher for…the University of Illinois at Springfield. It was a tough decision to accept the position, as I realized that a LOT of my time will be spent either at work, in class, or doing homework.

My wife and I are still living in the booming metropolis of Carlinville—a 45-mile/45 minute drive south from UIS, and I would l-o-v-e to move up to Springfield. However, with my current pay netting me a little less than $20k/year, we would end up scraping by. Still…it could be an adventure, couldn’t it?

A Potential Problem:

With regard to my job, I’m slated to work the overnight shift for the next 2 weeks—from 11pm till 7am. Thankfully, this isn’t as bad as it could be…but Mondays may end up being less than desirable once training is over. Here’s why:

At some point, my shift will have me work from Sunday at 11pm until Monday at 7am. My first class starts at 2pm. If I drive home, I’d be home from 8am till 1 in the afternoon—then I drive back up for classes followed by work again from 11p – 7a on Tuesday. However, that’s when I go home until class on Wednesday.

It’d be a lot of wear ‘n tear on my car, but it is all highway miles. (sigh)

I have no idea how things will end up…but I know I will certainly give it my best!!

To the new freshmen on campus: Welcome to UIS!!

I'll be blogging about my classes here, soon! Until then...

~ N.